JP4865454B2 - Setting method and communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To set communication parameters, a communication apparatus identifies a communication parameter setting wireless network on the basis of a network identifier provided in itself. If the communication apparatus can identify any network identifier matching the network identifier provided in itself, it sets the communication parameters in cooperation with another communication apparatus in the wireless network. If no identifier can be identified, the communication apparatus switches the setting of the communication parameters to a manual operation.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for automatically setting communication parameters of a wireless network.

  In order to communicate using a wireless LAN, it is necessary to set wireless LAN communication parameters (hereinafter referred to as communication parameters) such as SSID (Service Set ID), encryption key, authentication method, and authentication key between communicating devices. There is. Conventionally, various methods for simplifying the setting of these communication parameters, which are complicated for the user, have been proposed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of performing wireless communication by setting a corresponding fixed communication parameter when wireless network identification information included in a beacon matches wireless network identification information stored in the device itself. Are listed. A beacon is a signal transmitted from a device that has already established a wireless network, and a fixed communication parameter and wireless network identification information corresponding to the fixed communication parameter are stored in advance in the device that has received this beacon.

  Patent Document 2 compares the wireless network identification information included in the beacon with a plurality of pieces of network identification information stored in its own device, and selects a corresponding communication parameter when matching network identification information exists. The method of setting is described. The operation of a communication parameter setting method that can be switched between a means for automatically selecting the selecting means and a means for selecting manually is described.

  However, when the method for setting communication parameters described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is used, the set communication parameters are fixed, and if a fixed communication parameter is wiretapped by a third party, security is weak. There is a problem that it becomes a thing.

  As a technique for solving this problem, a method for automatically generating and setting communication parameters has been proposed. A method of automatically transferring communication parameter settings between an access point (repeater) and a station (terminal) from the access point to the station with a simple operation has been actually realized as a product. In the communication parameter setting method between the access point and the station, a wireless network for communication parameter setting is constructed between the devices using wireless network identification information (for example, encryption key) for setting communication parameters, and communication parameters are set. I do.

By using this communication parameter automatic setting method, a part of communication parameters are generated and set each time, so that both security and convenience can be achieved. The operation of this technique is described in Patent Document 3.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-204335 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-094736 JP 2004-215232 JP

  However, there are currently various communication parameter automatic setting methods, and the communication parameter setting methods are different. Therefore, when a device supports a plurality of communication parameter automatic setting methods, it is necessary to select which communication parameter automatic setting method should be used for setting. As a means for selecting, a method of allowing the user to select which communication parameter automatic setting method to use is conceivable, but in that case, the user's man-hours increase.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object thereof is to simplify the setting of communication parameters.

The present invention relates to a setting method for communication apparatuses set communication parameters for a wireless network with another communication apparatus, and a detection step of detecting a network identifier of the wireless network, wherein the communication device is executable Selecting a communication parameter setting method corresponding to the network identifier detected in the detection step from among a plurality of communication parameter setting methods, and setting communication parameters by the communication parameter setting method selected in the selection step And a setting step to be performed.

Further, the present invention provides a setting method for communication apparatuses set communication parameters for a wireless network with another communication apparatus, an authentication step of performing authentication with another communication apparatus, in the authentication step A selection step of selecting a communication parameter setting method corresponding to the information used for the authentication from among a plurality of communication parameter setting methods that can be executed by the communication device according to an authentication result, and the communication selected in the selection step And a setting step for setting communication parameters by a parameter setting method .

Furthermore, the present invention provides a communication device, wherein a detection unit for detecting a network identifier of a wireless network and a network identifier detected by the detection unit among a plurality of communication parameter setting methods that can be executed by the communication device. And setting means for selecting a corresponding communication parameter setting method and setting the communication parameter by the selected communication parameter setting method.

Further, the present invention is a communication device, comprising: a determination unit that determines an authentication result with another device; and a plurality of communication parameter setting methods that can be executed by the communication device according to the determination by the determination unit. And setting means for selecting a communication parameter setting method corresponding to the information used for the authentication and setting the communication parameter by the selected communication parameter setting method .

  According to the present invention, setting of communication parameters can be simplified.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless LAN system including a wireless terminal 101 and a first access point 104. The first access point 104 has a wireless communication function 105 defined by IEEE 802.11x, and when a communication parameter automatic setting start button 106 is pressed, a wireless network for setting communication parameters is constructed and communication parameter automatic setting is started. Communication parameters include a network identifier (SSID: Service Set ID), an encryption key, an authentication method, an authentication key, and the like.

  The wireless terminal 101 also has a wireless communication function 102 defined by IEEE 802.11x, and starts communication parameter automatic setting by pressing a communication parameter automatic setting start button 103.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless LAN system including the wireless terminal 101 and the second access point 107. Similar to the first access point, the second access point 107 also has a wireless communication function 108. By pressing a communication parameter automatic setting start button 109, a wireless network for setting communication parameters is constructed, and communication parameter automatic setting is performed. Start.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless LAN system including the wireless terminal 101 and the third access point 110. Similar to the first access point, the third access point 110 also has a wireless communication function 111. By pressing the communication parameter automatic setting start button 112, a wireless network for setting communication parameters is constructed, and communication parameter automatic setting is performed. Start.

  Here, the internal configuration of the wireless terminal 101 and the first access point 104 will be described with reference to FIG. The internal configurations of the second access point 107 and the third access point 110 are the same as those of the first access point 104, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the wireless terminal 101 and the access point 104. First, in the block diagram on the wireless terminal 101 side, 401 is a control unit that controls the wireless terminal according to a program stored in a ROM described later. A wireless communication processing unit 402 performs wireless LAN communication control. Reference numeral 403 denotes a RAM, which is a memory in which work areas and various tables used by the control unit 401 when executing control are defined. Reference numeral 404 denotes a ROM that stores control commands (programs) and control data.

  Reference numeral 406 denotes an antenna control unit that controls the antenna 405. Reference numeral 407 denotes a communication parameter setting start button for starting communication parameter setting. Reference numeral 408 denotes a display unit which displays the state of the wireless terminal and an operation input on an operation unit to be described later using an LCD or LED. Reference numeral 409 denotes an operation unit, which includes buttons for instructing operations to the wireless terminal. Reference numeral 410 denotes a power supply unit including a secondary battery. Reference numeral 411 denotes a communication interface unit other than wireless, for example, a wired interface such as USB or IEEE1394.

  The communication parameter setting start button 407 corresponds to the communication parameter automatic setting start button 103 shown in FIG. The process for automatically setting communication parameters will be described later.

  Next, in the block diagram on the first access point 104 side, reference numeral 412 denotes a control unit which controls the access point according to a program stored in a ROM described later. Reference numeral 413 denotes a wireless communication processing unit which performs wireless LAN construction and communication control. Reference numeral 414 denotes a RAM, which is a memory in which work areas and various tables used when the control unit 412 executes control are defined. Reference numeral 415 denotes a ROM that stores control commands (programs) and control data.

  Reference numeral 416 denotes a communication parameter setting start button. When this button is pressed, automatic communication parameter setting processing is started. Reference numeral 417 denotes an antenna control unit that controls the antenna 418. Reference numeral 419 denotes a display unit which displays the state of the access point and an operation input on an operation unit described later using an LCD or LED. Reference numeral 420 denotes an operation unit, which includes a button for instructing an operation to the access point. Reference numeral 421 denotes a power supply unit. Reference numeral 422 denotes a communication interface unit other than wireless, for example, a wired interface such as USB or IEEE1394.

  The communication parameter setting start button 416 corresponds to the communication parameter automatic setting start button 106 (109 shown in FIG. 2 or 112 shown in FIG. 3) shown in FIG. The process for automatically setting communication parameters will be described later.

  In the above configuration, the first access point 104 corresponds to the first communication parameter automatic setting method 113. The second access point 107 corresponds to the second communication parameter automatic setting method 114. The third access point 110 corresponds to the third communication parameter automatic setting method 115.

  On the other hand, the wireless terminal 101 supports both the first communication parameter automatic setting method 113 and the second communication parameter automatic setting method 114.

  The communication parameter automatic setting method refers to a method for automatically setting communication parameters according to a procedure and a message determined in advance between connected devices. In many cases, each manufacturer adopts a unique method for automatically setting communication parameters.

  Therefore, between devices that do not support the common communication parameter automatic setting method, the procedure for communication parameter setting is different or the readable message is different, and it is not possible to set communication parameters using the automatic setting method. Can not. On the other hand, communication parameters can be easily set between devices compatible with a common communication parameter automatic setting method using the automatic setting method.

  An example of a communication parameter automatic setting method is shown below.

  First, the device A constructs a communication parameter setting network by using the communication parameter setting SSID, encryption method, and encryption key stored in advance. The device B stores in advance the same communication parameter setting SSID, encryption method, and encryption key as the device A, and uses them to participate in the network constructed by the device A. Then, the device A in the communication parameter setting network automatically generates a communication parameter used for normal data communication, and transmits the generated communication parameter to the device B. When the device B receives the communication parameter for data communication transmitted from the device A, the device B sets the communication parameter in its own device.

  Thus, data communication is possible by newly constructing a data communication network between the devices A and B. By using this setting method, the communication parameter for data communication can be made variable every time the communication parameter automatic setting method is performed, and the security is improved as compared with the case where the communication network is constructed with a fixed value every time. .

  As another method, first, a network for setting communication parameters is formed using the SSID, encryption method, and encryption key stored in advance between the access point and the wireless terminal. Then, in the formed communication parameter setting network, the communication parameter for data communication stored in advance by the access point is transferred to the wireless terminal, and the transferred communication parameter is set on the wireless terminal side.

  By using this setting method, it is possible to easily set the same communication parameters as those of the existing network even for a wireless terminal that intends to newly join the existing network.

  Note that, as described above, the communication parameters that are set each time settings are made may differ, so the same communication parameters are set for all devices that support the common automatic setting method. Not exclusively. For example, the communication parameter set between the device A and the device B using the first communication parameter automatic setting method and the communication parameter set between the device A and the device C using the first communication parameter automatic setting method The communication parameter may be different.

  On the other hand, even if the automatic setting method is different, the set communication parameters may be the same. For example, when the devices A and B for setting communication parameters both support the first and second communication parameter automatic setting methods, the same communication parameter is set regardless of which setting method is used. There may be cases.

  Here, referring to FIG. 5, the network SSID for communication parameter setting used in the first communication parameter automatic setting method 113, the second communication parameter automatic setting method 114, and the third communication parameter automatic setting method 115 described above. Will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network SSID (network identifier) used in the communication parameter automatic setting method. As shown in FIG. 5, in the first communication parameter automatic setting method 113, a wireless network for automatically setting communication parameters by SSID = ABC is constructed. This SSID = ABC is included in a beacon transmitted by a device that constructs a wireless network for first communication parameter automatic setting. Similarly, in the second communication parameter automatic setting method 114, a wireless network for automatically setting communication parameters by SSID = DEF is constructed. This SSID = DEF is included in a beacon transmitted by a device that constructs a wireless network for second communication parameter automatic setting. Similarly, in the third communication parameter automatic setting method 115, an S network is constructed for automatically setting communication parameters with SSID = GHI. This SSID = GHI is included in a beacon transmitted by a device that constructs a wireless network for third communication parameter automatic setting.

  Next, a process for automatically setting communication parameters by selecting the communication parameter automatic setting method in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing communication parameter automatic setting processing at the access point. Here, the first access point 104 will be described as an example, but the same processing is performed at other access points.

  First, when the user presses the communication parameter automatic setting start button 106, the first access point 104 searches whether or not a wireless network has already been constructed using SSID = ABC for communication parameter setting (step S601). If it has not been constructed yet (YES in step S602), a wireless network for communication parameter automatic setting is constructed by itself, and transmission of a beacon including this SSID = ABC is started (step S603).

  Thereafter, the first access point 104 waits for reception of a probe request including SSID = ABC from the wireless terminal 101 (step S604). Then, the probe request is received, the SSID included in the probe request is compared with the SSID of the constructed wireless network, and if they match (YES in step S604), a probe response is transmitted to the wireless terminal 101 (step S605).

  Next, the first access point 104 sets communication parameters with the wireless terminal 101 using the first communication parameter automatic setting method 113 (step S606). When the communication parameter setting is completed (step S607), wireless data communication such as an image can be performed using the set communication parameter.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing communication parameter automatic setting processing in the wireless terminal 101. First, when the user presses the communication parameter automatic setting start button 103, the wireless terminal 101 searches for an SSID for automatic communication parameter setting (step S701). Here, it is searched whether or not a wireless network for automatic communication parameter setting is constructed by using two SSIDs (ABC and DEF) for automatic communication parameter setting stored and stored therein. This search process will be further described later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, in the first configuration shown in FIG. 1, as a result of the search processing, the wireless terminal 101 confirms that the first access point 104 has constructed a wireless network (SSID = ABC) for first automatic communication parameter setting. The case where is confirmed will be described.

  When the wireless terminal 101 detects the SSID for automatic communication parameter setting stored and stored in itself (YES in step S702), the communication parameter automatic setting method corresponding to the SSID is performed (step S703). That is, communication parameters (SSID (Service Set ID), encryption key, authentication method, authentication key, etc.) are set between the wireless terminal 101 and the first access point 104 using the first communication parameter automatic setting method 113. I do. When the communication parameter setting is completed (step S705), wireless data communication can be performed using the set communication parameter.

  Further, in the second configuration shown in FIG. 2, the wireless terminal 101 confirms that the second access point 107 has constructed the second wireless network for automatic communication parameter setting (SSID = DEF) as a result of the search process. The case where it confirmed is demonstrated.

  In this case, the communication parameter automatic setting process is also performed in the second access point 107 as in the first access point 104 according to the flowchart shown in FIG. In addition, the wireless terminal 101 also performs an SSID search process for automatic communication parameter setting.

  When the wireless terminal 101 detects an SSID for automatic communication parameter setting stored in itself (YES in step S702), a communication parameter automatic setting method corresponding to the SSID is performed (step S703). That is, communication parameters are set between the wireless terminal 101 and the second access point 104 using the second communication parameter automatic setting method 114. When the communication parameter setting is completed (step S705), wireless data communication can be performed using the set communication parameter.

  Further, in the third configuration shown in FIG. 3, as a result of the search processing, the wireless terminal 101 confirms that the third access point 110 has built a wireless network (SSID = GHI) for third automatic communication parameter setting. The case where it confirmed is demonstrated.

  In this case, the communication parameter automatic setting process is also performed in the third access point 110 in the same manner as the first access point 104 in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. In addition, the wireless terminal 101 also performs an SSID search process for automatic communication parameter setting.

  The wireless terminal 101 cannot detect the communication parameter automatic setting SSID stored therein (NO in step S702). That is, in this case, since the network is constructed with SSID = GHI for automatic communication parameter setting, the communication parameter setting method is switched to manual (step S704).

  Next, search processing (S701 shown in FIG. 7) for searching for a wireless network for automatic communication parameter setting in the wireless terminal 101 will be described by taking two search processing methods shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 as examples. In addition, although the 1st structure shown in FIG. 1 is demonstrated here, it cannot be overemphasized that it can process similarly with another structure.

<Search processing method 1>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing search determination processing in the search processing method 1. When the communication parameter automatic setting start button 103 is pressed, a probe request including SSID = ABC for two automatic communication parameter settings stored therein and a probe request including SSID = DEF are transmitted (step S801). In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, since the first access point 104 constructs a network with SSID = ABC, a probe response to the probe request is transmitted to the wireless terminal 101. On the other hand, when the wireless terminal 101 receives the probe response (YES in step S802), it can be confirmed that the first access point 104 has constructed a wireless network for automatic communication parameter setting. As a result, it is determined that the communication parameter automatic setting SSID stored therein can be detected (step S804), and the search process is terminated.

  If the wireless terminal 101 cannot receive the probe response and a certain time has elapsed since the probe transmission (YES in step S803), it is determined that the communication parameter automatic setting SSID stored in the wireless terminal 101 cannot be detected (step S805). This search process is terminated.

  Note that the probe request in which SSID = ABC set in step S801 and the probe request in which SSID = DEF is set may be transmitted continuously. Alternatively, one of the probes may be transmitted, and if the probe response cannot be received even after a predetermined time has passed (steps S802 and S803), the other probe request may be transmitted.

<Search processing method 2>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing search determination processing in the search processing method 2. When the communication parameter automatic setting button 103 is pressed, a transition is made to a beacon reception waiting state including the communication parameter automatic setting SSID (ABC and DEF) stored therein (step S901). That is, the state transits to a reception waiting state for a beacon in which SSID = ABC is set and a beacon in which SSID = DEF is set. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, when the first access point 104 has already constructed a network with SSID = ABC, a beacon including the SSID = ABC is transmitted. Here, when the wireless terminal 101 receives this beacon (YES in step S902), the SSID = ABC included in the beacon is compared with the SSID (ABC and DEF) stored therein for communication parameter setting. (Step S903). Here, if the SSIDs match (YES in step S904), it is determined that the SSID for automatic communication parameter setting stored therein can be detected (step S905), and the search process is terminated.

  If the beacon of the corresponding SSID could not be received (NO in step S904), it is determined that the SSID for automatic communication parameter setting stored therein could not be searched (step S906), and the search process is terminated.

  Note that each of the search processing methods described above may be used individually, or the search processing methods 1 and 2 may be used in combination.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the wireless terminal stores in advance the SSID used for the communication parameter automatic setting method supported by its own device, and constructs a network for setting communication parameters using the SSID. Search for the access point you are using. As a result of the search, communication parameters can be easily set with an access point that supports a common communication parameter automatic setting method.

  The network for setting communication parameters is established when the communication parameter automatic setting start button of the access point is pressed, so communication parameters can be set only when the user desires, ensuring security. Is done. In addition, the wireless communication line is not wasted.

  Further, since the search process is executed when the communication parameter automatic setting start button of the wireless terminal is pressed, communication parameters can be set only when the user desires, and security is ensured. In addition, the wireless communication line is not wasted.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless LAN system including the wireless terminal 1001 and the fourth access point 1004. The fourth access point 1004 has a wireless communication function 1005 defined by IEEE 802.11x, and a communication parameter setting wireless network is configured by pressing a communication parameter automatic setting start button 1006.

  The wireless terminal 1001 also has a wireless communication function 1002 defined by IEEE 802.11x, and starts communication parameter automatic setting by pressing a communication parameter automatic setting start button 1003.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless LAN system including the wireless terminal 1001 and the fifth access point 1007. Similarly to the fourth access point 1004, the fifth access point 1007 has a wireless communication function 1008, and a communication parameter setting wireless network is configured by pressing a communication parameter automatic setting start button 1009.

  Note that the internal configurations of the wireless terminal 1001, the fourth access point 1004, and the fifth access point 1007 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the above configuration, the wireless terminal 1001 is compatible with both the fourth communication parameter automatic setting method 1010 and the fifth communication parameter automatic setting method 1011.

  On the other hand, the fourth access point 1004 corresponds to the fourth communication parameter automatic setting method 1010. The fifth access point 1007 corresponds to the sixth communication parameter automatic setting method 1012.

  In the second embodiment, each access point and each wireless terminal stores an encryption key corresponding to the communication parameter automatic setting method supported by itself. When authentication using an encryption key is successful between devices that perform automatic communication parameter setting, communication parameter setting is performed using a communication parameter automatic setting method corresponding to the encryption key.

  Here, processing for automatically setting communication parameters based on encryption keys stored in the wireless terminal 1001, the fourth access point 1004, and the fifth access point 1007 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an encryption key for authentication used in the communication parameter automatic setting method. As shown in FIG. 12, in the fourth communication parameter automatic setting method 1010, authentication is performed using the encryption key 1201. In the fifth communication parameter automatic setting method 1011, authentication is performed using the encryption key 1202. In the sixth communication parameter automatic setting method 1012, authentication is performed using the encryption key 1203.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing communication parameter automatic setting processing at the access point. First, a process in which the fourth access point 1004 automatically sets communication parameters with the wireless terminal 1001 in the configuration shown in FIG. 10 will be described.

  When the user presses the communication parameter automatic setting start button 1006, the fourth access point 1004 searches whether a wireless network has already been constructed using an arbitrary SSID (SSID = XYZ) (step S1301). If it has not been constructed yet (YES in step S1302), the wireless network is constructed by itself and transmission of a beacon including this SSID = XYZ is started (step S1303).

  Thereafter, the fourth access point 1004 waits for reception of a probe request including SSID = XYZ from the wireless terminal 1001 (step S1304). Then, the probe request is received, the SSID included in the probe request is compared with the SSID of the wireless network constructed by itself, and if they match (YES in step S1304), a probe response is transmitted to the wireless terminal 1001 (step S1305). .

  Next, the fourth access point 1004 performs authentication with the wireless terminal 1001 using the encryption key 1201 corresponding to the fourth communication parameter automatic setting method 1010 (step S1306). If the authentication is confirmed (YES in step S1307), communication parameters corresponding to the encryption key are automatically set (step S1308). That is, communication parameters are set with the wireless terminal 1001 using the fourth communication parameter automatic setting method 1010. When the communication parameter setting is completed (step S1309), wireless communication can be performed using the set communication parameter.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing communication parameter automatic setting processing in the wireless terminal 1001. Here, communication parameter automatic setting processing performed in the configuration shown in FIG. 10 will be described.

  When the user presses the communication parameter automatic setting start button 1003, the wireless terminal 1001 enters a beacon reception waiting state (step S1401). Thereafter, when a beacon of SSID = XYZ is received from the fourth access point 1004 (YES in step S1402), a probe request is transmitted to the fourth access point 1004 using the received SSID = XYZ (step S1403). When a probe response to the probe request is received from the fourth access point 1004 and an encryption key authentication request is received (step S1404), an encryption key authentication process corresponding to communication parameter automatic setting is performed (step S1405). That is, the fourth access point 1004 and the encryption key are authenticated using the encryption keys 1201 and 1202 respectively corresponding to the fourth and fifth communication parameter automatic settings stored therein.

  As a result of the authentication, in this example, since the authentication using the encryption key 1201 is possible, it can be confirmed that the authentication is successful (YES in step S1406). Then, communication parameters are set using the fourth communication parameter automatic setting 1010 corresponding to the encryption key 1201 (step S1407). When the communication parameter setting is completed (step S1409), wireless communication can be performed using the set parameter.

  Next, processing in which the fifth access point 1007 automatically sets communication parameters with the wireless terminal 1001 in the configuration shown in FIG. 11 will be described.

  When the user presses the automatic communication parameter setting start button 1009, the fifth access point 1007 searches whether a wireless network has already been constructed using an arbitrary SSID (SSID = LMN) (step S1301). If it has not been constructed yet (YES in step S1302), the wireless network is constructed by itself and transmission of a beacon including this SSID = LMN is started (step S1303).

  Thereafter, the fifth access point 1007 waits for reception of a probe request including SSID = LMN from the wireless terminal 1001 (step S1304). Then, the probe request is received, the SSID included in the probe request is compared with the SSID of the wireless network constructed by itself, and if they match (YES in step S1304), a probe response is transmitted to the wireless terminal 1001 (step S1305). .

  Next, the fifth access point 1007 performs authentication with the wireless terminal 1001 using the encryption key 1203 corresponding to the sixth communication parameter automatic setting method 1012 (step S1303). Here, in the configuration shown in FIG. 11, since the authentication of the encryption key cannot be confirmed, the fifth access point 1007 transmits authentication failure information to the wireless terminal 1001 (step S1306). And it returns to step S1303 and repeats the above-mentioned process.

  On the other hand, communication parameter automatic setting processing performed by the wireless terminal 1001 with the configuration shown in FIG. 11 will be described.

  When the user presses the communication parameter automatic setting start button 1003, the wireless terminal 1001 enters a beacon reception waiting state (step S1401). Thereafter, when a beacon of SSID = LMN is received from the fifth access point 1007 (YES in step S1402), a probe request is transmitted to the fifth access point 1007 using the received SSID = LMN (step S1403). When a probe response to the probe request is received from the fifth access point 1007 and an encryption key authentication request is received (step S1404), an encryption key authentication process corresponding to communication parameter automatic setting is performed (step S1405). That is, the fifth access point 1007 and the encryption key are authenticated using the encryption keys 1201 and 1202 respectively corresponding to the fourth and fifth communication parameter automatic settings stored therein.

  As a result of authentication, since authentication fails in this example, a response of authentication failure is received from the fifth access point 1007 (NO in step S1406), and it is determined that communication parameters cannot be set by the automatic setting method (step S1406). ). Then, the communication parameter setting is switched to manual setting (step S1408).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the wireless terminal stores the encryption key corresponding to the communication parameter automatic setting method supported by itself, and the automatic communication with the access point successfully authenticated by the encryption key. Set communication parameters using the setting method. Accordingly, communication parameters can be easily set while ensuring high security with an access point that supports a common communication parameter automatic setting method.

  In addition, since the communication parameter setting network is constructed when the communication parameter automatic setting start button of the access point is pressed, communication parameters can be set only when the user desires, and higher security can be achieved. Is secured. In addition, the wireless communication line is not wasted.

  In addition, since the search process is executed when the communication parameter automatic setting start button of the wireless terminal is pressed, communication parameters can be set only when the user desires, and higher security is ensured. . In addition, the wireless communication line is not wasted.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless LAN system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the wireless terminal 1001, the fourth access point 1004, and the fifth access point 1007 used in the second embodiment constitute a wireless LAN system.

  The communication parameter automatic setting process of the fourth access point 1004 and the fifth access point 1007 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 used in the second embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Here, the communication parameter automatic setting process in the wireless terminal 1001 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the user presses the communication parameter automatic setting start button 1003, the wireless terminal 1001 enters a beacon reception waiting state (step S1401). Thereafter, a beacon of SSID = XYZ is received from the fourth access point 1004 and a beacon of SSID = LMN is received from the fifth access point 1007 (YES in step S1402). Probe requests are sequentially transmitted to the fourth access point 1004 and the fifth access point 1007 using SSID = XYZ and SSID = LMN in the received beacon (step S1403). When a probe response to the probe request is received (YES in step S1404), the access point that transmitted the probe response and the encryption key are authenticated (step S1405). That is, the access point and the encryption key are authenticated using the encryption keys 1201 and 1202 corresponding to the fourth and fifth communication parameter automatic setting methods stored therein. As a result, if there is a communication parameter that can be automatically set with the fourth access point and the fifth access point (YES in step S1406), the communication parameter is set using the communication parameter automatic setting (step S1407). .

  In the third embodiment, authentication can be performed using the fourth access point 1004 and the encryption key 1202, and it can be confirmed that the authentication has succeeded. Therefore, communication parameters are set with the fourth access point 1004 using the fifth communication parameter automatic setting 1011 corresponding to the encryption key 1202. When the communication parameter setting is completed (step S1409), wireless communication can be performed using the set parameter.

  When a plurality of access points corresponding to the communication parameter automatic setting method common to the wireless terminal are detected, various methods can be considered as a method for selecting an access point for setting communication parameters.

  For example, the display unit may display that a plurality of access points corresponding to the common communication parameter automatic setting method have been detected, and allow the user to select which access point is to be automatically set. Further, identification information of an access point to be preferentially connected may be stored in advance on the wireless terminal side, and communication parameters may be set with the access point.

  Thus, according to the embodiment, even when the wireless terminal exists in a position where it can communicate with a plurality of access points, between access points that support the common communication parameter automatic setting method, Communication parameters can be set automatically. Further, since the communication parameter is set by the automatic setting method corresponding to the encryption key, it is possible to easily set the communication parameter while ensuring security.

  As described above, according to the above description, setting of communication parameters can be simplified. In addition, since the communication parameters are automatically set by a method corresponding to the network identifier for setting the communication parameters for each access point and the encryption key for each access point, the parameters can be set while maintaining security. If the parameter cannot be set automatically, the setting is switched to manual setting, so that the parameter can be set reliably.

  Even if the present invention is applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), it is applied to an apparatus (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.) comprising a single device. It may be applied.

  In addition, a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program code stored in the recording medium. Read and execute. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by this.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like is used. be able to.

  In addition, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the following cases are included. That is, based on the instruction of the program code, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. .

  Further, the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. After that, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing. Needless to say.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope described in the claims.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless LAN system including a wireless terminal 101 and a first access point 104. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless LAN system including a wireless terminal 101 and a second access point 107. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless LAN system including a wireless terminal 101 and a third access point 110. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a wireless terminal 101 and an access point 104. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the network SSID used with the communication parameter automatic setting method. It is a flowchart which shows the communication parameter automatic setting process in an access point. 6 is a flowchart showing communication parameter automatic setting processing in the wireless terminal 101. 5 is a flowchart showing search determination processing in search processing method 1; 6 is a flowchart showing search determination processing in search processing method 2; 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless LAN system including a wireless terminal 1001 and a fourth access point 1004. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless LAN system including a wireless terminal 1001 and a fifth access point 1007. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the encryption key for authentication used with the communication parameter automatic setting method. It is a flowchart which shows the communication parameter automatic setting process in an access point. 10 is a flowchart showing communication parameter automatic setting processing in the wireless terminal 1001. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the wireless LAN system in 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

101 wireless terminal 102 wireless communication function 103 communication parameter automatic setting start button 104 first access point 105 wireless communication function 106 communication parameter automatic setting start button 107 second access point 108 wireless communication function 109 communication parameter automatic setting start button 110 third access Point 111 Wireless communication function 112 Communication parameter automatic setting start button 113 First communication parameter automatic setting method 114 Second communication parameter automatic setting method 115 Third communication parameter automatic setting method 401 Wireless terminal control unit 402 Wireless communication processing unit 403 RAM
404 ROM
405 Antenna 406 Antenna control unit 407 Communication parameter setting button 408 Display unit 409 Operation unit 410 Power supply unit 411 Communication interface unit 412 Access point control unit 413 Wireless communication processing unit 414 RAM
415 ROM
416 Communication parameter setting button 417 Antenna control unit 418 Antenna 419 Display unit 420 Operation unit 421 Power supply unit 422 Communication interface unit 1001 Wireless terminal 1002 Wireless communication function 1003 Communication parameter automatic setting start button 1004 Fourth access point 1005 Wireless communication function 1006 Communication parameter Automatic setting start button 1007 Fifth access point 1008 Wireless communication function 1009 Communication parameter automatic setting start button 1010 Fourth communication parameter automatic setting method 1011 Fifth communication parameter automatic setting method 1012 Sixth communication parameter automatic setting method 1201 Fourth Encryption key 1202 corresponding to the fifth communication parameter automatic setting method Encryption key 1203 corresponding to the fifth communication parameter automatic setting method Corresponding encryption key

Claims (13)

A setting method for communication apparatuses set communication parameters for a wireless network with other communication devices,
A detection step of detecting a network identifier of the wireless network;
A selection step of selecting a communication parameter setting method corresponding to the network identifier detected in the detection step from a plurality of communication parameter setting methods that can be executed by the communication device;
A setting step for setting communication parameters by the communication parameter setting method selected in the selection step ;
Setting how to, comprising a. Claims wherein the network identifier detected in the detection step when matching the network identifier of the device owner, and performs automatic setting of communication parameters by to that communication parameter setting method corresponding to the network identifier setting method claim 1, wherein. The detection if the detected network identifier does not match the network identifier of the device owner in step, setting method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching to set the communication parameters manually. A setting method for communication apparatuses set communication parameters for a wireless network with other communication devices,
An authentication process for authenticating with other communication devices;
A selection step of selecting a communication parameter setting method corresponding to the information used for the authentication from among a plurality of communication parameter setting methods that can be executed by the communication device according to an authentication result in the authentication step;
The selected communication parameter setting method in the selection step, a setting step for setting communication parameters,
Setting how to, comprising a. Information used for the authentication, the setting method according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises an encryption key. The setting step, in accordance with the authentication result of the authentication process, either automatically setting communication parameters, set according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that switching between the setting communication parameters manually Method. A communication device,
Detecting means for detecting a network identifier of the wireless network;
A communication parameter setting method corresponding to the network identifier detected by the detection unit is selected from a plurality of communication parameter setting methods that can be executed by the communication device, and the communication parameter setting is performed by the selected communication parameter setting method. Setting means to perform,
A communication apparatus comprising:   8. The communication according to claim 7, wherein the communication parameter is switched automatically or manually according to whether or not the network identifier detected by the detection means matches the network identifier owned by the own device. apparatus. A communication device,
A discriminating means for discriminating an authentication result with another device;
A communication parameter setting method corresponding to the information used for the authentication is selected from a plurality of communication parameter setting methods that can be executed by the communication device according to the determination by the determination means , and the selected communication parameter setting method Setting means for setting the communication parameters by:
A communication apparatus comprising:   The communication apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the information used for the authentication includes an encryption key.   11. The communication apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the setting unit switches between setting the communication parameter automatically or manually setting the communication parameter according to the determination by the determination unit. Program for executing the setting process of any one of claims 1 to 6 on a computer.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 12 is recorded.

Images